Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ATLANTIC COAST
Argentines can justly claim to have Latin America's highest peak (Cerro Aconcagua), its
widest avenue (Buenos Aires' 9 de Julio) and perhaps its prettiest capital, but its beaches
aren't tropical paradises strewn with palm trees. There's no white sand here, the winds
can be fierce and the water is cloudy rather than turquoise. Despite all this, Argentina's
beaches are hardly unpleasant places in summer, and each January and February they re-
liably attract tens of thousands of well-heeled
porteños
escaping the capital's unrelenting
heat. In fact, so many people flock to the shore that at times you might have a hard time
finding a free spot to spread your towel.
So, if you don't mind the lively summer crowds, the Atlantic Coast offers a wonderful
escape. And if you want to avoid the summer crowds, simply visit in the shoulder
months of December and March, when the weather is still warm enough to enjoy the
beaches and their activities. In the dead of winter, however, coastal towns here take on an
abandoned feel and the foul weather can become downright depressing. Mar del Plata is
an exception - the coast's largest city offers things for visitors to do all year round.
Accommodation prices vary widely along the coast, depending on the season. They
rise sharply from mid-December through February, when reservations are crucial (and a
few places require minimum stays). Prices then start declining in March but rise again
during Easter, after which most places close down until November. At the places that do
stay open, bargains can be found during these cooler months.
Unless otherwise specified, prices and opening hours listed here are for the January-to-
February high season. In other months opening hours (especially at tourist offices and
restaurants) are much shorter.
TOP OF CHAPTER
San Clemente del Tuyú
02252 / POP 12,000
With absolutely none of the glamour or glitz of the resorts down the coast, family-orien-
ted San Clemente is a favorite for low-key beachgoers. There are reasonably priced ac-
commodations near the waterfront, including
Brisas Marinas
(
522219;
www.brisas-
marinas.com.ar
; Calle 13, No 50; r AR$350-390;
)
and
Hotel 5 Avenue
(
521035; Calle 5,
No 1561; s/d AR$230/300;
)
, and plenty of restaurants on the main drag, Calle 1. The
tourist information office
(
42-3249; turismocentrosc@lacosta.gob.ar; Av Costanera btwn
Calles 2 & 63;
8am-midnight Jan & Feb, 9am-8pm Mar-Dec)
is across from the beach.
